Oxford Woman Investigated for Animal Cruelty

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Animal control officers seized more than 40 animals, including this horse, from a property at 48 Condon Road in Oxford late February. The animals were neglected and malnourished, according to officials.

The state has filed a petition to permanently obtain ownership of dozens of animals taken from a woman in Oxford after authorities say some appeared malnourished and neglected.

Forty-one animals, including horses, chickens, dogs and turkeys, were taken in late February from Karen Desrosiers’ home on Condon Road.

Animal Control arrived at Desrosiers’ home after a complaint came in that some of the animals were roaming the street.

“They found the animals not having the proper food. They didn’t have proper water. They were living in mud and manure,” said Ray Connors, with the Deparment of Agriculture’s Animal Control Division.

Court documents reveal that investigators also saw a dead chicken on the property lying on the ground with birds feeding on its carcass.

“They’re doing much better. They’re getting the proper diet. They’re in a dry environment with the proper bedding,” said Connors.

A judge will decide whether the state can permanently seize the animals next week.

Desrosiers hasn’t been charged, but that might change, according to the agriculture department.

“It’s still under investigation. We’re waiting for some veterinary reports to come back, but our department will probably move forward with criminal charges,” said Connors.

However, this isn’t Desrosiers’ first run-in with animal control. In 2010, she was investigated after reports that some of her animals were sick and uncared for.

“Our department worked with her, had a veterinarian come out … and (got) the animals back in shape, and she was headed down the right road at that time,” said Connors.

However, the state no longer wants to take chances. They’ve filed a civil petition to take ownership of the animals, who are slowly recovering.